We are nearing July and that will mean we are getting close to free agency on July 13th and with free agency only 3 weeks away I am giving my list of who I think are the top 50 free agents are in the NHL right now.
The End to End Hockey’s top 50 free agent list.
1 Johnny Gaudreau
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 40G-75A-115P in 82GP
Position: Left Winger
Analysis: Gaudreau is a outstanding top 6 forward who is coming off a career year. Definitely feel it will take $9.5-10.5 Million dollars per year to sign him and while I think their is still a good chance he remains in Calgary, I wouldn’t say it for certain and if he hits free agency you can expect any teams with holes in their top 6 to be looking to sign Gaudreau.
2 Filip Forsberg
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 42G-42A-84P in 69GP
Position: Left Winger
Analysis: Forsberg is no doubt a top 6 forward who can score at will as he is coming off his first ever 40 goal season. Definitely think it will take around $10 Million dollars to get him and signed and with so many big contracts in Nashville I have my doubts about him re-signing with the Predators but I have no doubt that if he hits free agency then a team who needs goals and a top 6 forward will try to sign Forsberg.
3 John Klingberg
Age: 29
Previous years stats: 6G-41A-47P in 74GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: Klingberg is a offensive top 4 defensemen and can put points on the board better then almost all of this years UFA D-Men after he almost put up 50 points, potting 47 this past year. I expect Klingberg to get a 6-8 year deal at around $8 Million per year and I am going to say that he won’t be back in Dallas next year as it seems there have been no contract talks and it seems as though the Stars are shopping for a replacement so while I don’t see him in Dallas, a team who needs a scoring top 4 defensemen on the right side and can give him the money he wants will be the team to sign him.
4 Nazem Kadri
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 28G-59A-87P in 71GP
Position: Center
Analysis: showing that he is the real deal as a productive second line Center after having a career best season and absolutely outstanding point total of 87 points. Kadri is pricing himself out of Colorado as I think it would take at least $7-8 Million dollars per year to sign him and I would only go up to 5 years, maybe 6 on a new contract for him but for a team who is looking for a 2nd line Center and some grit as well as production, then Kadri might be that guy as he is the whole package.
5 Kris Letang
Age: 35
Previous years stats: 10G-58A-68P in 78GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: the veteran top 4 defensemen had a career year this season at 68 points and it couldn’t have happened at a better time as it looks like this might be his final chance to cash in. Letang seems to be the free agent the Penguins most want to re-sign, but I am sceptical if they can do it as it sounds like he wants a 4-5 year deal at around $7-8 Million dollars per year and whether in Pittsburgh or elsewhere I think he is going to get but any team who needs a scoring defensemen should be hit on Letang’s heels.
6 David Perron
Age: 34
Previous years stats: 27G-30A-57P in 67GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: a underrated forward in my opinion for what he brings to a team, i suspect the middle six forward will be a hit commodity in free agency after he hit over 55 points for the third consecutive year. Definitely great to see him come alive in the playoffs and while I know the Blues have expressed interest in keeping him, but I have my doubts because of their cap space and the fact that I think he would need a 3-4 year deal at around $4.5-5.5 Million per year really makes it difficult for St.Louis to keep him but I think a team whether it is St.Louis or someone else who could use a middle six forward who can be a solid contributor and veteran leader should look to sign Perron.
7 Marc Andre Fleury
Age: 37
Previous years stats: 2.90 GAA-.908 SV% in 56GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: it was another good year for Fleury who became the starter in Minnesota after being acquired at the trade deadline and I would suspect the tandem goalie will get a nice contract after having a good .908 SV% this year. I’m not sure that Fleury will be back with Minnesota as the Wild are about to enter a cap crunch and it sounds like Fleury only has a few teams he will sign with but I suspect that he could sign a 1-2 year deal at around $3.5-5.5 Million per year and a team in need of a tandem goalie should definitely try to convince Fleury to play there.
8 Andrew Copp
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 21G-32A-53P in 72GP
Position: Forward
Analysis: a deadline acquisition of the Rangers, Copp is a amazingly talented middle 6 forward who is going to get a raise after breaking 50 points for the first time in his career with 53. I think that Copp could definitely re-sign with New York due to the fact that he would be cheaper to resign as a 2nd line Center then Strome, and the Rangers paid a fortune to get him and I think a contract will be anywhere from 4-8 years at a around $4-5.5 Million per year so whether it is the Rangers or someone else I believe that a team needing a versatile middle six forward will call about Copp.
9 Ryan Strome
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 21G-33A-54P in 74GP
Position: Center, Right Winger
Analysis: after resurrecting his career in New York, it seems as though that Strome might be on his way out as the top 6 Center might be too expensive to be New York. Strome will get a substantial raise on his $4.5 Million that he had finished this year and with a cheaper option in Copp to be second line Center I believe that his days in New York are over, and I believe that a team who needs a second line Center and has the money should try to get Strome as he is a really good player.
10 Vincent Trocheck
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 21G-30A-51P in 81GP
Position: Center, Right Winger
Analysis: Trocheck has fit in beautifully with the Hurricanes and after having a 51 point season I would suspect that the top 6 Center will be getting one very good raise. I would guess that Trocheck and the Hurricanes will have extension talks because the Canes are a really good team with him in the lineup but with Carolina not having much space, Kotkaniemi primed for a bigger role, and Trocheck probably wanting around $5-6 Million on a new deal I’m not sure the Canes can get him re-signed, but any team in need of a proven scoring 2nd line Center should look into signing Trocheck.
11 Ondrej Palat
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 18G-31A-49P in 77GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Palat has been a great forward in Tampa for years now and even after a bit of a down with 49 points, I suspect the top 6 forward will get paid handsomely this year. Palat should definitely consider re-signing with the Bolts as he has fit in quite nicely with Tampa but I am not sure if Tampa bay has enough cap space to re-sign him and with his playoff performance he might have priced himself out of Tampa as I would suspect he would look for a 3-5 year deal with a AAV of $4-5.5 Million per year, but for any team who needs a top 6 forward who isn’t afraid to get into the dirty areas, Palat might be their guy.
12 Andre Burakovsky
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 22G-39A-61P in 80GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: after a career season with 61 points and a trip to the Stanley cup final with the Avalanche, top 6 winger Burakovsky is ready to get paid on a new deal. Burakovsky could be back with the Avalanche and I wouldn’t rule it out because among their big UFA’s he might be one of the more likely to resign as a new deal should only cost between $4.5-6 Million dollars per year, but the Avalanche might go in a different direction. Regardless a team who needs a good young top 6 forward long term should definitely be looking to sign Burakovsky.
13 Darcy Kuemper
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 2.54 GAA-.921 SV% in 57GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: the 2nd goalie and 3rd Avalanche is here as starting goalie Kuemper is in need of a new deal and after a outstanding .921 SV% it seems as he will get great new contract this year. While he hasn’t always been able to stay healthy Kuemper has proven this year that he can be a starter and while I’m not sure Kuemper will get much of a raise off of his $4.5 Million previous contract, I’m also not sure that he remains a Avalanche member as the Av’s have a lot of players to give new deals to and not a lot of money but either way a team who is in need of a guy who can be their starter in net should definitely look to sign Kuemper.
14 Evgeni Malkin
Age: 35
Previous years stats: 20G-22A-42P in 41GP
Position: Center
Analysis: the longtime Penguins Center might finally be leaving the Penguins organization because after a 42 point year for Pittsburgh, Malkin might be too expensive to be re-signed by Pittsburgh. Malkin will probably sign a 3-4 year new deal at around $6.5-7.5 Million dollars per year and with Pittsburgh wanting to sign Letang more then Malkin, they could not have enough to keep both so Malkin might be gone, and i feel that a team that has enough cap space and needs a top 6 Center and a veteran presence should go after Malkin.
15 Nick Leddy
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 3G-21A-24P in 75GP
Position: Left Defensemen
Analysis: after one of his not so great offensive seasons with only 24 points, Leddy who is a top 4 defensemen I would suspect he keeps a top 4 role somewhere. I don’t expect Leddy back with the Blues next year because even though the Blues could use a top 4 D-Men and I think they will look for one, I don’t think the Veteran Leddy who probably wants a 4x4 deal similar to Suter’s deal with Dallas is the right for for St.Louis, but a young team who could use a top 4 D-Men and veteran presence who can score would be wise to try and sign Leddy.
16 Valeri Nichushkin
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 25G-27A-52P in 62GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Nichushkin is having a beautiful playoffs and to go along with a unbelievable 52 point regular season, Nichushkin just continues to drive up his value. Nichushkin has found his game in Colorado and had his coming out party this year as he took his previous career high of 34 points and smashed it with his 52 point season. It sounds like the Avalanche would like to keep him and have made that a top priority and I would think he signs for somewhere between $4-5 Million per year and I believe that the avalanche could work something out for around that much money but if that doesn’t work then I would suspect another team in need of a fabulous middle 6 forward who is a great produce and also be a playoff producer should definitely try to get Nichushkin.
17 Evander Kane
Age: 30
Previous years stats: 22G-17A-39P in 43GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: after getting his career back on track with the Oilers, top 6 forward Evander Kane will be looking for a new deal to keep playing a top 6 role. Kane’s situation is murky because his grievance with the Sharks could get his old contract back with the Sharks and he would have 2 NHL contract so signing Kane could be tricky and I still think that re-signing with Edmonton is the best scenario I think he will get a 3-4 year deal at around $5-6 Million per year cause I don’t think he will get 7 but if he doesn’t re up with Edmonton then look for a team who could use a top 6 forward and has a good leadership group to keep Kane in check to be the one to go after him.
18 Claude Giroux
Age: 34
Previous years stats: 21G-44A-65P in 75GP
Position: Center, Right Winger
Analysis: Giroux is not the player he was when he signed his $8.28 Million dollar contract and his next contract won’t be as expensive but I still think the middle six forward will get quite a nice pay day on his new contract. Giroux and the Florida Panthers have both expressed interest in signing a extension but Florida has not to much cap and Giroux will be looking for a $4-5 Million dollar new deal at around 2-3 years and I’m not sure Florida could do that, but a team that could use a veteran middle six forward who can still produce at a high level should look into signing Giroux.
19 Jack Campbell
Age: 30
Previous years stats: 2.64 GAA-.914 SV% in 49GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: while Campbell has a bit worse numbers this year then last year, only having a .914 SV%, but he has still proven he is a NHL starter and is going to get a nice raise on his new contract this year. I believe that Campbell and the Maple Leafs should still try and find a way to get a contract extension in place because Campbell has been outstanding since joining the Maple Leafs and I still think that there is no better options for Toronto then Campbell, but Campbell seems to want a 4-5 year deal at around $5 Million per year while Toronto wants around $3 Million AAV, but whether it is then who agree to a t
Deal or another team, I think any team who is looking for a starter will be talking to Campbell.
20 Rickard Rakell
Age: 29
Previous years stats: 20G-21A-41P in 70GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: a deadline acquisition of the Pittsburgh Penguins, after a slow start middle 6 forward Rakell took it up a notch and had a really good year finishing with 41 points and 20 goals in 70 games and I do believe he will wind up getting a raise off of his previous contract. Rakell I would say is not back with Pittsburgh given their cap space I would say Rodrigues is more likely to sign then him, but I would say that’s a 3-5 year deal between $4-5 Million dollars per year would be enough to get a new deal in place and any team looking for a middle six player who can produce especially at key times should look to sign the former 30 goal scorer.
21 Reilly Smith
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 16G-22A-38P in 56 GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: the long time Golden Knight top 6 forward is coming off another good season and will definitely be a sought after player in free agency. Smith definitely still has gas left in the tank to be a top 6 forward in the NHL and it seems that there have been extension talks between him and Vegas to remain a Golden Knight but with Smith probably wanting a 3-4 year deal at around $4 Million per year I’m not sure that the cap strapped Knights would be able to get him for that much, but if a team is looking for a experienced top 6 forward who may not be overwhelmingly expensive then Smith might be their guy.
22 Mason Marchment
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 18G-29A-47P in 54GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Marchment is in line to get one hell of a raise this offseason after the late bloomer had a career year in his 2nd NHL season putting 47 points. Marchment is a solid middle six winger who showed he can produce a lot as he put up 47 points mostly in the bottom six of Florida and with his substantial raise this year I can’t see him being back in Florida, but I am sure a team looking to get a cheaper middle 6 forward at maybe $3-4 Million per year for around 3-5 years will be looking to sign Marchment.
23 P.K Subban
Age: 33
Previous years stats: 5G-17A-22P in 77GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: after another down year for Subban his long term contract has finally expired and it seems as though he will now be getting a cheaper contract then his previous one as he is now mostly a 3rd pair defensemen. Subban has saw his role diminish with New Jersey over the past few years and I wouldn’t expect the Devils to re-sign him as they said they would part ways already but a team looking for a veteran 3rd pair defensemen who won’t be too expensive at $2-3 Million per year for 1-3 years should definitely look into signing Subban.
24 Phil Kessel
Age: 34
Previous years stats: 8G-44A-52P in 82GP
Position: Right Winger
Analysis: the veteran Kessel is finally getting out of Arizona as his long term contract has expired and I wouldn’t expect him to get much on a new deal as he is now a 3rd line forward now but I do expect a new deal for Kessel. Kessel most likely won’t be back with the Coyotes next year as the Coyotes are entering a rebuilding phase and Kessel most likely wants a chance to win a cup but I would expect a 1-2 year deal at $2-3 Million would be the type of contract Kessel signs and I think a team who could use a bit of scoring depth and a veteran presence would look into signing Kessel.
25 Josh Manson
Age: 30
Previous years stats: 6G-10A-16P in 67GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: we have yet another Avalanche on this board, the 5th as Manson is a decent top 4 defensemen who will be looking for more money on his next contract after helping the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Final. Manson is definitely a top 4 defensemen but I am not sure he comes back with the Avalanche as he will get a decent sized contract and the Avalanche have the forwards and goalie to deal with before him so while I wouldn’t rule it out I could see another team in need of a top 4 Defensemen who could sign Manson to a 3-4 year deal at around $3.5-4.5 Million dollars per year instead of Colorado.
26 Ville Husso
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 2.56 GAA-.919 SV% in 40GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: after a great coming out party in St.Louis where he actually leapfrogged Binnington as the Blues starter for a while, Husso seems to be in line to be paid as a starter or at least a 1A goalie. Husso definitely desserves a starting role of some kind after the season he had and I don’t think it will be in St.Louis as he should sign a 4-6 year deal at around $3-4 Million per year and while St.Louis doesn’t have that money they also have Binnington signed to be the starter of this team, so I definitely see some one in free agency in need of a 1A goalie to be in the Husso sweepstakes.
27 Nino Niederriter
Age: 29
Previous years stats: 24G-20A-44P in 75GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Niederriter found a great role in Carolina on the 3rd line this year as a shutdown line player but I think Niederriter will definitely get some nice money on his next contract. I know that the Canes have expressed interest to retain him but he is secondary to Trocheck and with his role I’m not so sure he will be back with Carolina, but I think that a team in need of a middle six forward could give a 3-5 year contract at around $3.5-5 Million per year and I think that Niederriter would accept something like that.
28 Ben Chiarot
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 9G-17A-26P in 74GP
Position: Defender
Analysis: Chiarot was playing really good in Montreal and was acquired at the deadline by Florida and helped them get to the 2nd round, but I would suspect the top 4 defensemen will still get reasonable money on his next contract. Chiarot is now a older defensemen and his days of being a top 4 defensemen seemed to be numbered but I do think he can still play as a 2nd or 3rd pair D-Men for the next few years and with Florida’s cap and the amount of D-Men they have in Florida I would say he isn’t back with the Panthers next year but if a team who needs a veteran defensemen gives him a 2-3 year deal at $2-3 Million per year I think Chiarot would sign that.
29 Brett Kulak
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 5G-16A-21P in 74GP
Position: Defender
Analysis: Kulak was a underrated pickup at the deadline by Edmonton and had a really good season this year and I believe his AAV will be bumped this year. Kulak is a 2nd or 3rd pair defensemen and fit in really well with the Oilers and I wouldn’t be surprised if he re-signed with Edmonton but with Kulak probably looking for a 3-5 year deal at around $2.5-3.5 Million dollars per year I’m not sure if Edmonton could give him that but I would expect a team looking for a younger defender might be willing to give him that.
30 Evan Rodrigues
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 19G-24A-43P in 82GP
Position: Right Winger, Center
Analysis: Rodrigues has a stunning season as he reached double digit goals for the first time in his career and had a 43 point season which is a career high and I think he has proved himself to be a serviceable middle six forward. Rodrigues is one of the UFAMs I could see back with Pittsburgh because I don’t think he will be too expensive but I think that a 3-4 year deal and at a cap hit of $2-3 Million dollars per year, so if the Penguins don’t wind up signing him I could definitely see him getting that type of a contract on the market to a team who needs scoring.
31 Frank Vatrano
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 18G-14A-32P in 71GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: the Rangers acquired Vatrano at the deadline and for in spectacularly with the Rangers and I think the top 9 forward will get a pretty good deal on his next contract. I think a contract would be for 1-3 years and at around $2-3 Million and I think that the Rangers are the best fit for him and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if he was back next year, but with the Rangers cap situation there is a possibility he doesn’t re-sign and I think another team who could use Vatrano on a 2nd or 3rd line and pay him what he wants should be able to get him.
32 Nick Paul
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 16G-16A-32P in 80GP
Position: Center, Left Winger
Analysis: Paul is showing in these playoffs that he is a really good 3rd line forward and will definitely be getting a raise on his $1.35 Million dollar cap hit. I think the Bolts would love to have Paul back next year as he has been outstanding on the Bolts new 3rd line but I believe that Paul wants probably a 3-5 year deal at around $2.5-3.5 Million per year and I can barely see the Bolts signing that sort of a contract but I think another team who needs a 3rd line player who can produce will definitely give Paul what he wants.
33 Nikita Zadorov
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 4G-18A-22P in 74GP
Position: Defender
Analysis: the big defender is coming off a nice season where he had 22 points this year and I think that the 3rd pair defensemen will be a hot commodity come free agency. Zadorov I would say is not back with Calgary next year as the Flames will try to sign the big time forwards and I think Zadorov who will probably want in my opinion, as I think that he signs a 2-5 year deal at around $2.5-4 Million dollars per year and another team who could use a physical 3rd pair defensemen and pay him what he wants will be the one to sign Zadorov.
34 Ilya Mikheyev
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 21G-11A-32P in 53GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Mikheyev is coming off a pretty good 30 point season with the Maple Leafs and the middle six forward will be looking for a raise in free agency. Mikheyev is a good player and the Maple Leafs really like him and gave him his NHL opportunity from Russia but with recent reports saying he wants $3.5-5 Million per year, the Maple Leafs would never be able to afford that kind of contract so while I still think the Leafs could use Mikheyev, I think another team who is looking for a middle six forward and has a better cap situation then the Maple Leafs will be the one to get Mikheyev.
35 Calvin De Haan
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 4G-4A-8P in 69GP
Position: Defender
Analysis: the veteran defensemen has now finished his contract in Chicago and while he is getting up their in age and won’t get anywhere close to the value he had on his last contract I do think that someone will sign the versatile defensemen. De Haan is more of a defensive defensemen and has never been much of a point producer but he is really good at what he does and while I don’t think he will go back to the Blackhawks as Chicago is entering a full rebuild I think a team that needs a veteran top 4 defensemen who could be of more use on the defensive side will be the one to sign De Haan.
36 Andreas Athanasiou
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 11G-6A-17P in 28GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Athanasiou has had a rough couple of years and that was especially so this past year as the middle six forward was a healthy scratch on occasion and dealt with multiple injuries but I think that the games he did get into show how productive he can be and I am sure he will be able to find a contract. Athanasiou is definitely a speedy winger and while he has proven he can score in LA, I think he doesn’t return to Los Angeles as the forward group is pretty crowded but a younger team who could sign him to a 1-2 year deal at around $1.5-2.5 Million dollars per year and give him more of a opportunity will be the team to sign him.
37 Braden Holtby
Age: 32
Previous years stats: 2.78 GAA-.913 SV% in 24GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: Braden Holtby signed a one year deal with Dallas to be a veteran presence for Oettinger and he showed the league he can at least still be a 1A if not a starter and a team with goaltending could try and sign him. I don’t think Holtby will return to the Stars as he was injured toward the end of the year and Oettinger proved he can be the starter for Dallas, but I think a 1-3 year deal at around $2-3 Million per year would be enough to sign Holtby and a team who could use a tandem veteran or even a starter should definitely look to bring in Holtby.
38 Troy Stecher
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 1G-2A-3P in 29GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: Stecher found a high level of play as he was able to get into 4 games due to the Kings injuries and surprisingly had 4 points in those games and showed he can still be a regular NHL defender and I would suspect that while it may not be for much, I do believe he will get a contract from somewhere. Stecher was injured for most of this year and while he wasn’t to good in the regular season he was able to shine in the playoffs and also did a really good job helping the Kings shutdown the Oilers offense and I think that while he won’t be back with the Kings due to their deep right side on the defence, I do believe that he will get a 1-2 year deal at around $1.5-2.5 Million per year from a team who could use a very serviceable 3rd pair D-Men.
39 Nicolas Deslauriers
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 8G-5A-13P in 81GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Deslauriers is a big body bottom six forward who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and I think a lot of teams would want a physical guy like Deslauriers in their bottom six. I would think that Minnesota does have some interest in bringing him back but even though he would likely be a cheap bottom six forward I don’t know if they could fit him in with the impending cap crunch Minnesota is in right now but I would say that a team looking to add a physical element to their team and can sign Deslauriers for 1-3 years at around $1-2 Million would be the perfect landing spot for Deslauriers.
40 Josh Archibald
Age: 29
Previous years stats: 0G-1A-1P in 8GP
Position: Winger
Analysis: Archibald dealt with a lot this year as he had covid issues and it took him awhile to get back to speed and the restrictions on Canada did not help matters but he is a really good bottom 6 forward and I am sure that someone will give him a NHL opportunity. Now I don’t Edmonton will resign him as they have plenty of depth forwards and he didn’t end to well with Edmonton but I do think that if a team were to offer him a 1-2 year deal at around league minimum to $1.5 Million per year then he would take it to prove that he is still a very good bottom six forward.
41 Ilya Lyubushkin
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 2G-13A-15P in 77GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: one of the more underrated defensemen in my opinion, Lyubushkin had a career year in both Toronto and Arizona this season and I feel that he will definitely get interest from around the league in free agency this year. After being moved to Toronto mid-season Lyubushkin fit in well with Maple Leafs especially on a pairing with Morgan Reilly and I would absolutely not rule out a return to Toronto as he probably won’t be too expensive in my opinion, most likely getting a 1-3 year deal at around $1.5-2.5 Million per year and I think if they can make it work he could be back in Toronto, but if not Toronto then another team who could use a more defensive defensemen on the 2nd or 3rd line to help their D-Corp should try to sign Lyubushkin.
42 Erik Gudbranson
Age: 30
Previous years stats: 6G-11A-17P in 78GP
Position: Right Defensemen
Analysis: the physical 3rd pair defender definitely showed he still has gas left in the tank after having one of his better years in his career and I would think he definitely gets another contract from a team. Gudbranson played outstanding having a career year with the Flames and I do believe there is at least interest by the Flames to bring him back as he would only need a 1-2 year deal at around $1-2 Million per year and I think he could still be a good 3rd pair defensemen in Calgary, but if not Calgary then another team who could use a veteran 3rd pair defensemen should definitely look into signing Gudbranson.
43 Vladislav Namestnikov
Age: 29
Previous years stats: 16G-14A-30P in 75GP
Position: Forward
Analysis: Namestnikov is a good bottom six forward who had another really good year getting 30 points and as a cheaper bottom six forward he will be highly sought after in free agency. Namestnikov had a really good year splitting time with Detroit and Dallas and is definitely a good and speedy 3rd line player who can contribute offensively and while I am not sure Dallas has the cap space to bring him back, I do believe that if another team offered him a 2-3 year deal at around $2-3 Million per year that Namestnikov would sign to remain in a bottom six scoring role again.
44 Kevin Lankinen
Age: 27
Previous years stats: 3.50 GAA-.891 SV% in 32GP
Position: Goaltender
Analysis: Lankinen might not get much more then a tandem role after a down year from his rookie season but I do think he has good upside and will find a NHL contract. Lankinen could be back with the Blackhawks as he has been a okay goalie in 2 years with Chicago and the Hawks don’t have many goalies so I could see a contract extension especially since I would say Lankinen gets a 2-3 year deal at around $1.5-3 Million per year and is not Chicago then another team who could use a 1B or Backup in net should try to sign Lankinen.
45 Chris Tierney
Age: 28
Previous years stats: 6G-12A-18P in 70GP
Position: Center
Analysis: while Tierney has played not too well over the past few seasons in Ottawa, I do think that Tierney still has some value as a 2nd or 3rd line Center and I wouldn’t be surprised if he can still be a productive veteran in the league. Tierney hasn’t broken 20 points in the last two years and that is probably due to the fact that the Senators are giving opportunities to younger players which is why I don’t see him back next year but I could see him sign a 2-3 year deal at around $2-3 Million per year with a team who could use a middle six forward who definitely has 40 point potential.
46 Calle Jarnkrok
Age: 30
Previous years stats: 12G-18A-30P in 66GP
Position: Forward
Analysis: Jarnkrok had a shaky start with the Kraken but did play better once he was moved to Calgary and it seems that the top 9 versatile forward will probably get a bit more money on his next contract then this one. Jarnkrok is really good in a 3rd line role and has hit at least 25 points in 6 staright years and while I don’t believe he will be back with Calgary because the Flames will be focused on signing their big 3 free agents and a Jarnkrok contract will look something like a 1-3 year deal at around $2-3 Million per year so while I don’t think he is back in Calgary I do believe that a team who needs a depth scorer and can sign Jarnkrok to that kind of money will get him.
47 Patrice Bergeron
Age: 36
Previous years stats: 25G-40A-65P in 73GP
Position: Center
Analysis: after another great year for the Bruins top line center and Captain, Bergeron will have a lot to think about as the Bruins top line Center is considering retirement. It seems to be the Bruins or retirement as Bergeron has had a really long and great career but it doesn’t seem as though he will sign with any other team as he is a very loyal Bruin and while the Bruins don’t have much cap space to sign him, I think a 1-2 year deal at $3-4 Million per year will be good enough to sign Bergeron but with all of the things that Boston is going through right now I could definitely see him retire this year.
48 Sebastian Aho
Age: 26
Previous years stats: 2G-10A-12P in 36GP
Position: Left Defensemen
Analysis: the youngest guy on my list and one of the youngest pending UFA’s in the league, Sebastian Aho is a okay 3rd pair player who I feel will wind up getting a NHL contract from some team. Aho has spent years in the Islanders organization and after finally was a regular on the Islanders rosterthis year but was mostly a spare only getting into 36 games and while I would not rule him out going back to NYI, I would expect him to go to a team where they are looking for a 3rd pair D-Men and he could get a bigger role as I suspect he will get a 1-3 year deal at somewhere between league minimum and $1.5 Million and for a team to get a b defensemen at that cap would be a win for both the player and team.
49 Alex Chiasson
Age: 31
Previous years stats: 13G-9A-22P in 67GP
Position: Right Winger
Analysis: Chiasson found his game again with the Canuavks as he was a really good bottom 6 forward and as a more physical player who can get the puck and produce he should definitely have interest in free agency. Chiasson almost didn’t play this year but got a late contract from Vancouver and made the most of it and I think as a depth forward who can play well that he will have interest and I think the Canucks could re-sign him because he played well in their system, but if he is not resigned I expect a few teams to try and sign him for probably 1-2 years at around $1-2 Million per year.
50 Sam Gagner
Age: 32
Previous years stats: 13G-18A-31P in 81GP
Position: Center, Right Winger
Analysis: a great depth forward is what Gagner is as he had a surprising 30 point year this past season with the Red Wings and will be a hot commodity come free agency. I definitely think that bottom six forward Gagner could be back next year with Detroit as he would only need a 1-3 year deal at around $1-1.75 Million per year and he already knows the Red Wings system, but I could also see him go to free agency and have teams fight over a player who is a cheap point producer in the bottom 6 and I think he will definitely have some options.
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